Here is a collection of Congressional Gold Medals that honor the work of famous African-Americans.

1977 Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson was a world-famous singer who was often treated unfairly.
But she didn't give up.
She won many awards and her career lasted for more than 30 years.

The medal honors her "highly distinguished and impressive career."
Even foreign countries gave her awards.
She helped the arts to advance in this country and throughout the world, helped world peace through her performances, her recordings, and her work as United States delegate to the United Nations, and gave freely of her time, talent, and energy to enrich our lives.

1982 Joe Louis

The "Brown Bomber" kept his title of heavyweight champion for 25 fights in a row.
Joe Louis stayed the heavyweight champ for 12 years.

Congress awarded this medal because he "did so much to bolster the spirit of the American people during one of the most crucial times in American history and which have endured throughout the years as a symbol of strength for the nation.

1984 Roy Wilkins

Roy Wilkins served with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for many years.
He worked hard to uphold the civil rights of African-Americans.

His gold medal recognizes his "incomparable contribution... to the struggle for civil rights and equality for all Americans."

1988 Jesse Owens

In 1935, Jesse Owens broke three world records within 70 minutes.
He won four Olympic gold medals for running at the Berlin Games the next year (1936), and set a world record in the 100-yard dash.
He has received awards and honors from all over the world.

This medal recognizes his "athletic achievements and humanitarian contributions to public service, civil rights, and international goodwill."